National Communication Specialist with WHO

Mission and objectives

The overall mandate of the WHO Iraq- UHC/Health Systems & Life Course team is to strengthen health systems in Iraq in order to make progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The Essential Drugs and Other Medicines (EDM) technical officer within the country team of UHC/Health Systems & Life Course contributes to two flagship priority areas of work in Iraq 1) improved access to essential medicines for UHC and 2) building national capacities for prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance. The main objective of the programme is to promote policies, build health system capacities and provide evidence-based guidance to Iraqi Ministry of Health, partners, and in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to improve access and promote rational use of safe, efficacious, quality, and affordable essential drugs and other medicines.

Context

The Communications Officer will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy for WHO Iraq’s. This includes content creation, media and stakeholder engagement, visibility planning, and public awareness initiatives in alignment with WHO standards and donor expectations

Task description

3.1 Strategic Communications and Visibility • Develop and implement a communications strategy tailored to MMPTF-funded projects. • Ensure all communication products align with WHO branding and donor visibility requirements. • Produce and disseminate visibility materials such as press releases, human-interest stories, success stories, and reports. • Maintain and manage a content calendar to ensure timely delivery and publication. • Develop newsletter articles for the organization’s quarterly newsletter and briefs, and draft press releases, including taking photographs for reports, social media, and other advocacy platforms. • Maintain and update files and archives for communication materials, including photographs, videos, press releases, and publications. • Assist in producing the weekly Social Media Plan, including supporting sections in gathering content for social media. • Produce and edit fact sheets, Q&As for media, and background materials for key advocacy initiatives and MMPTF campaign. • Help plan and implement special events, online webinars, and meetings, including scheduling and taking minutes. • Submit a monthly report summarizing activities and outputs delivered. • Carry out any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. 3.2 Content Development and Social Media • Create multilingual awareness messages for varied audiences across Iraq. • Develop digital content including infographics, video scripts, and social media posts for different MMPTF. • Coordinate with creative vendors (designers, videographers) to ensure quality outputs. • Manage WHO Iraq’s social media presence with regular, high-engagement content. • Support the Representative in meetings by capturing photographs and developing content for social media platforms. • Monitor Country Office websites and social media platforms to gather content and evidence supporting key campaigns and advocacy. • Support the production of digital/social media content for the office, including campaigns and advocacy. Scan daily media reports (online and print) and draft a daily media monitoring report for internal distribution. 3.3 Media and Stakeholder Engagement • Build and maintain relationships with national and international media. • Organize press briefings, facilitate media coverage, and coordinate interviews. • Draft media advisories, talking points, and Q&As for WHO representatives. • Monitor and report on media visibility of WHO Iraq. 3.4 Events and Campaigns • Support the planning and communications coverage of events, community activities, and campaigns. • Provide live updates, photography, and post-event summaries. • Ensure high-quality documentation (visual and written) of all outreach activities. • Provide logistical and programme support for all advocacy initiatives and events, including venue arrangements, preparation of information kits, guest invitations, attendance lists, and event documentation through photography. 3.5 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting • Submit regular reports summarizing reach, outputs, and lessons learned. • Maintain a multimedia repository and contribute to an annual impact assessment. • Monitor communication metrics (social engagement, media coverage, etc.).

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 – 80

Required experience

3 years

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience

3 years

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Arabic, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations

Competencies and values

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams

Skills and experience

• At least a bachelor’s degree incommunications, media, or public relations—preferably in public health, humanitarian, or development settings. • Demonstrated experience with communication strategy development and digital content management. • Previous work with UN agencies, INGOs, or international donors is an advantage. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Arabic. • Proven ability to create compelling, human-centered content. • Proficiency in digital tools (Adobe Suite, Canva, social media management platforms). • Strong interpersonal, coordination, and organizational skills. • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a multicultural environment.

Area(s) of expertise

Communication

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers receive a volunteer living allowance to sustain a basic, adequate, and safe lifestyle. This allowance varies from one location to another depending on local living costs, but all national UN Volunteers in the same location receive the same allowance. Below is a summary of the Conditions of Service. Allowances The purpose of allowances for national UN Volunteers is to enable the national UN Volunteers to sustain a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward or salary in exchange for the volunteer work. Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): All national UN Volunteers are entitled to a monthly volunteer living allowance of USD 1,951.91. The purpose of this allowance is to cover the basic living costs of the national UN Volunteer, and her or his family when applicable. The allowance is to ensure that the volunteer can sustain a basic, adequate and safe lifestyle. The monthly allowance rate is a fixed rate for the duty station as established by UNV headquarters. Resettlement allowance: Eligible national UN Volunteers are entitled to receive a resettlement allowance upon satisfactory completion of the assignment. The allowance assists the volunteer to reintegrate into society both professionally and personally upon completion of their UN Volunteer service.